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Recently, Luxury Portfolio International® hosted its first-ever Affluence Forum, which assembled leaders in Shelter-related industries such as home, design and luxury real estate to idea-share, network and provide educational opportunities from industry experts on current and upcoming trends. Activities included in-depth analysis of today’s luxury buyer, featured speakers and panel discussions as well as visits to several design and home renovation showrooms in Chicago’s historic Merchandise Mart (theMART).

The first day of the forum was hosted by Pella Crafted Luxury and began with an overview of the latest statistics on the high-net-worth consumer and insights on the global luxury real estate market from Stephanie Pfeffer Anton, EVP of Luxury Portfolio International. Anton provided a look at the evolution of the luxury buyer since 2000 and how those serving the high-net-worth can use this information to better communicate with their clientele. Michela O’Connor Abrams, former DWELL media CEO, followed with an insightful evaluation of the power of good design on the bottom line to a business, and finally the group heard highlights on the economic factors influencing the affluent consumer from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® Chief Economist, Marci Rossell.

The group also heard from an impressive panel of Chicago-based industry experts, including Joe Barret from Barrett’s Technology Solutions, Keith Lord and Mark Fraser from local real estate developers, The Lord Companies and Fraser Builders and Constance Freeman from the real estate technology investment fund Moderne Ventures, who spoke about the recent demand for smart homes with streamlined design, the decline of the brick-and-mortar retail industry and the luxury buyers’ demand for user-friendly technology. After the panel, attendees were invited to enjoy light bites and champagne while perusing the Monogram and Waterworks showrooms.

The following day, Luxury Portfolio International members gathered to further delve into leveraging their affiliation with Luxury Portfolio. Additional programming similar to the previous day included, a panel discussion with Christopher Michelsen of UBS Wealth Management and Donna Mondi of Donna Mondi Interiors, who discussed the importance of creating rapport with clients, and a fascinating Q&A with Sheri Gold from Monogram on how their brand has differentiated itself from other appliance companies to remain relevant in the industry.

The first Luxury Portfolio Affluence Forum proved to be a great success. An event that was both informative and enjoyable for attendees, giving them a broader insight into the wants and needs of the global elite.